Development Aid in Translation

Abstract

<p>This chapter interrogates the translated language used in development aid in terms of its underlying Anglocentric conceptual assumptions as well as in terms of its discursive products. It argues that this export of jargon-specific language has impeded the mission of developmental aid, and it provides a case study to support these arguments. It then discusses two steps that can be taken to facilitate the implementation of development aid practice: (1) directly involve various indigenous and grassroots actors in the translation process and (2) enhance sensitivity to the linguistic and cultural context of the host locale. Integrating these suggestions into ongoing policy creation would enable development agencies, international nongovernmental organizations, and nongovernmental organizations in general to create more comprehensible policy documents and provide more relevant and useful practices for the local communities.</p>

Participatory translation and anti‐racism in NGO development work: A method of co‐producing translations with community members

“…The dominance of English is an outcome of colonial power structures that have been partly sustained by the undervaluing of non‐Western knowledge and ways of expression. To be able to climb the career ladder, one must be able to speak English, or more specifically the type of highly professionalized and technocratic form of English that prevails in the international development sector (Roth, 2019; Todorova & Ahrens, 2020). Those without such skills face serious barriers to their career progression and their ability to participate in high‐level discussions about decisions that affect the countries they know best.…”

“…And can we understand, or even hear, the left behind when they speak to us?” (cited in McEntee‐Atalianis et al., 2018). Against this backdrop, it is perhaps unsurprising that research has found that a “blind spot” on linguistic inequalities in development is shared by donor officials (Crack, 2019a) and senior management in non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) headquartered in anglophone countries (Footitt, 2017; Footitt et al., 2020; Todorova & Ahrens, 2020).…”